Stigma Love's Algorithm [ A BTS x Reader Poly ]

Chapter 18: A Weekend We'll Never Forget

Yoongi's lips tugged into a soft smile. "I can't argue with that," he murmured, the affection in his voice making my heart race.

I rolled my eyes, feeling a surge of affection for him.

The playful banter between us had become a sort of ritual-a rhythm we had effortlessly fallen into over the last few weeks.

It wasn't just the big moments, the grand declarations or kisses. It was the little things-the comfort of his presence, the way we could sit side by side in silence or chat for hours without feeling the need to force anything.

We spent the rest of the afternoon in the same relaxed, easy flow. Squid Game was followed by Single's Inferno 4-a show neither of us had really planned to watch but ended up glued to nonetheless.

Yoongi immediately made fun of the dramatic opening, which sent me into a fit of giggles. "These people are just too much," he said, laughing as one contestant declared their intentions of finding 'true love' on the show.

"They should just skip the drama and come straight to the part where they break everyone's heart."

I snorted, nudging him with my shoulder. "They're just trying to find love, Yoongi! Not everything's about strategy."

He raised an eyebrow at me, clearly unconvinced. "Oh, I'm sorry, I thought we were here for the real connections, not the forced ones. What's the point of all the scripted stuff?"

I grinned. "Are you telling me you don't believe in love at first sight? How disappointing." I feigned shock, making him laugh.

"I believe in love at first hot chocolate," Yoongi teased, winking at me as he took a sip from his mug, his voice light and teasing but filled with warmth.

I leaned in, my head resting against his shoulder as I watched the screen. "You're such a cynic," I teased, nudging him gently with my elbow. "If you didn't look so cute, I'd probably kick you off this couch."

He laughed, turning his head to glance down at me. "Yeah, well, you're lucky I love you."

Yoongi wrapped his arm around me as he normally does, pulling me closer into his side, like it's the most natural thing in the world.

I melted into his embrace, feeling so at ease in his arms. Wacha stirred slightly, hopping off Yoongi's lap to curl up at our feet as the show continued on.

We spent the rest of the afternoon cuddled up together, laughing at the ridiculousness of the reality show and sharing occasional kisses and quiet moments in between.

Yoongi kissed the top of my head more than once, his lips lingering there each time, his hands gently caressing my back in a rhythmic, comforting way.

We didn't need to say much-our shared affection filled the space between us, the connection deepening with each passing hour.

Hours passed, and we both got caught up in the ridiculousness of the show. We'd make fun of the contestants' choices, laugh at the awkward moments, and bond over our mutual dislike of some of them.

But, despite the lighthearted bickering, there was a quiet kind of contentment settling between us.

I hadn't realized how much I needed this time, this slow, unhurried pace where everything else faded away.

"Why do you think they're all so... obsessed with love?" I asked, my voice thoughtful as I glanced at Yoongi, who was intently watching the screen.

He shrugged, the corner of his mouth curling up into a smile. "People are all searching for something, right? They think it's love, but it's really just... connection. Something real."